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Hello everyone, my name is Michelle. I've been reading the forums for some time now, but haven't really had a chance to tell our story.
In January, we were approached by the teenage neighbor of my mother in law and her boyfriend. She was 16, he 20. They had a not quite one-year-old child together, and had just found out she was again pregnant. They recognized the fact that they would be unable to keep the child. They knew my husband and I have been trying for years for another child of our own (our bio daughter is now 12), and asked if we would be interested in adoption. Of course, we were thrilled at the opportunity!
The next few months were really a blur for us. The bfather had numerous legal charges against him, and is now in prison for three years. The bmom and I spent a great deal of time together. I took her to all of her doctor's appointments, and we were even asked to be in the delivery room when the baby was born. I stayed the night at the hospital, *A, our birthmom, and our precious daughter came home from the hospital with us the next day.
Of course, we did hit a few minor snags along the way. Our main issue was our bfather, which is an entire thread in itself. When he wanted a close contact visit with *A at the prison, he refused to sign the Consent for Adoption, hoping that it would help the situation, but then he denied ever receiving them to begin with. Sadly, the only time our bmom has shed a tear is when he begins playing games. Thankfully, he did sign the papers the next day.
Our daughter has now been home with us for 6 weeks. We have an open adoption, and speak to *A regularly. Though still parenting a one year old, *A is still a teenager, and is off doing things that teenagers do, LOL. But, she seems confident in her decision, and is happy knowing that her baby is with people she has always known, in a family she herself grew up with and very much loved.
I think my problem right now is more personal that anything else. I sit and read these forums, and see everyone success stories and my heart swells with happiness for those in such wonderful situations, including myself. But, I also read the stories that don't turn out as they had hoped they would, and it breaks my heart. Weighing heavily on my mind these days is the case of Evan, who's adoptive family, I believe, also resides in Florida. My heart aches for everyone involved, especially for Evan. It also led me to analyze the paperwork that we have in regards to our own adoption . We do understand that even the best of situations can turn in the blink of an eye. Sadly, we have lost a great deal of confidence in our attorney. A major mistake that could have led to disaster for us was already made, and while it all was fine in the end, it has us questioning the ability of this office. I've found out today that they have only just filed for a Termination of Parental Rights. Our Home Study fasciliator explained to me today that there is a 30 day waiting period before the official termination, and we are running in to danger of having that exceed our regular 90 day waiting period for the adoption finalization. I was assured today by the paralegal that they would make sure it wouldn't be an issue, but what bothers me now is that they seem to have dropped the ball on this.
Can anyone tell me if six weeks to wait for the TPR hearing date is a normal period of time? Should I be any more concerned than I already am?
Thanks for your time and any help that anyone can offer,
Michelle
my son was born premature and we didn't meet him or his birthmom until he was two months old. At that time she signed over her rights, however TPR wasn't until November. I think this was because Timothy did not come home from the hospital until September 26 and the agency also had to search for the birthfather. Hope this helps. Lisa
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Thanks, momtut! Yes, that makes me feel better. I also spoke with our fascilitator, who said it's not unusual for a private, general attorney to have it take a little longer. We did finally get our date, and it will put us almost three weeks past our 90 day waiting period, but she assured us that there was nothing to worry about.
I'll just be happy when I can breathe again!
Michelle